How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting an extended period, ask your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They will request evidence, including childhood histories - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, you can contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance you can choose a private service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to establish an accurate diagnosis. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have much hands-on experience with it. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately identify your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. You should consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. It is important to be able to trust your doctor, but you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose which location to receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can use your right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter stating that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse to do this in any way, it could be worth switching your GP particularly if you want to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you, you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is essential because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children will develop ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for the provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also find out the waiting time of the service provider prior to calling them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to note that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you may use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.
It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to look into different options for your medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can give to the GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include a structured interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often beneficial to have a family member or friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist click here will then go over their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other support could be available. For instance, if you are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your university. They can provide you with guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.